Motivation on Your Wrist: Boost Your Health With a Fitness Tracker

It’s no doubt that wearable technology such as Jawbone and Fitbit are becoming essential to our lives. These devices help with daily routines, calorie intake and exercise plans. With so many options, how do you choose the right one for your active lifestyle?

Stephen Compston, RD, LD, CDE, Outpatient Dietary Educator at Renown Health, received a Fitbit for Christmas and says it has changed how he looks at his activity levels.

“I’m always preaching ‘awareness’ to my patients: Awareness of what they’re eating, how much they’re eating, and how much they move,” he says. “Wearable technology helps with this so much because it allows us to see how much we actually move during a day.”

Stephen says his personal fitness tracker has reminded him to move more while at work by going on a short walk or walking to talk with someone rather than sending an email.

“Most wearable technologies also allow you track your calorie intake, which helps you see how much you’ve consumed vs. how many calories you’ve actually burned – which should help someone lose weight,” he adds “My patients that track both calories in and calories out using their wearable technology are losing weight effectively and keeping it off because it has motivated them to continue with their current habits.”

To learn more about wearables, exercise, and healthy eating habits, join us at Renown’s Weight Management classes now through April 12, 2016.When: Every Tuesday, 6- 7 p.m.Where: Professional Circle Auditorium, 10315 Professional Circle, Reno, NV 89521

We have compiled a short list of wearable fitness trackers available on the market today. Please note that Renown does not endorse any particular wearable device, and you should always check with your doctor before embarking on a new exercise plan.

Wearable Technology: 5 Options (Among Many!)

Fitbit Charge HR – Average Price: $150

With continuous, automatic, wrist-based heart rate monitoring, the Fitbit Charge HR is great at tracking calories burned, as well as recording workouts, heart rate, distance and floors climbed. Sleep is monitored automatically and you can set a silent alarm. Wireless syncing to your smartphone and computer, and battery life of up to five days, make this on-the-go tracker a must-have. Available in five vibrant colors.

Extras – Feeling competitive? Invite or find friends in the UP® App and challenge them to a Duel – a head-to-head step battle lasting 24 hours, four days or however long you wish. Duelers’ average 50 percent more steps than non-Duelers.Jawbone UP2 (from jawbone.com)

Misfit Shine – Average Price: $70

Boasting elegance and practicality, this versatile monitor tracks cycling, soccer, tennis, basketball and swimming, in addition to steps, calories and distance. The Misfit App turns your fitness data into easy-to-read charts, plus the long-lasting battery and automatic wireless syncing mean you’ll worry less about charging and more about staying active.

Extras – Shine can be worn anywhere and for any occasion. Sport the waterproof disk like a watch, as a pendant, or clipped onto a shoe. The range of sleek accessories includes a sports band, leather bands, necklaces and clips designed for comfort, versatility and style. Available in a variety of colors including Coca-Cola® Red and Coral.Misfit Shine (from misfit.com)

Misfit Flash – Average Price: $30

This budget-friendly, sporty tracker packs a punch for the price. Versatile, stylish and loaded with features, it rivals the more expensive trackers on the market. The Misfit Flash measures your activity and sleep, syncs with your smartphone and comes in a variety of colors.

Extras – Crafted out of a special soft-touch plastic and the same polycarbonate used in space suits, Flash is comfortable, durable and water resistant up to 98 feet.Misfit Flash (from misfit.com). Image downloaded from Misfit’s product images

Xiaomi Mi Band – Average Price: $15

Simple and super affordable, this tracker is suitable for anyone, especially the younger, fitness-minded members of your family. Monitor your activity levels, track walking distance and calculate calories burned. Achieve the daily exercise targets you set and work toward a healthier lifestyle. Comes in five bold colors and black.